“Reopen NJ” Protest Scheduled in Point Pleasant Beach on Memorial Day

POINT PLEASANT — A protest that is planned on the white sandy beaches of Point Pleasant has caught the attention of local authorities, according to a post by the Point Pleasant Police Department, which was later shared by the Ocean County Sheriff's Office.

The event was created on Facebook by an anti-lockdown group, Reopen NJ, that has been advocating for Governor Murphy to lift stay at home orders due to COVID-19.

"Freedom March of NJ" said that the protest will take place on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25th) on Point Pleasant Beach at 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Earlier this week, the Government of Point Pleasant Beach announced that they would not be open in time for Memorial Day Weekend, and the beach is expected to remain closed during the intended protest.

Officials did not mention the closure of the beach in their press release but did suggest that the protest can (and likely will) take place in the Silver Lake Parking Lot — Arnold Avenue and Ocean Avenue.

"We share in everyone's frustrations and anxieties that this pandemic has caused. We hope for the day to come that we will go back to some sense of normalcy. Our hope is this comes sooner than later," Joseph Michigan, the Point Pleasant Chief of Police said.

The department plans to make their presence known at the event and expects a large crowd, "As with any planned event, we put operational plans in place that ensure the safety of everyone. Monday's protest will be no different. We will be prepared and ready to handle any incident," Michigan said.